Kampala– The Court of Appeal will tomorrow commence a three-day Criminal Session in Kampala, during which 27 criminal appeals are scheduled for hearing. The session will run from February 18 to 20, 2026.
The proceedings will be presided over by a panel comprising Justice Geoffrey Kiryabwire, Justice John Mike Musisi, and Lady Justice Esta Nambayo.
Ahead of the session, Justice Musisi and Lady Justice Nambayo convened a pre-hearing meeting to assess the preparedness of all stakeholders and address potential gaps that could affect the smooth conduct of the proceedings. The meeting brought together the Registrar of the Court of Appeal, HW Rukundo Allen Owembabazi, Magistrates Grade I Research attached to the presiding Justices,
Mr. Dennis Rwatooro (Senior Systems Administrator), and Mr. Experito Ssebayigga (Clerk).
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions was represented by a team led by Ms. Happiness Ainebyona, Chief State Attorney.
All appellants, currently held at Luzira Upper Prison and Murchison Bay Prison, participated virtually, while their legal representatives appeared physically before court. The hybrid arrangement is intended to ensure full participation while reducing logistical and security constraints associated with inmate transportation.
According to the cause list signed by HW Rukundo, Aggravated Defilement constitutes the highest number of appeals, with 11 cases listed. Murder follows with nine appeals, while five appeals relate to Aggravated Robbery. The Court will also hear one appeal in respect of convictions for Rape and Causing Financial Loss respectively.
Among the matters scheduled is an appeal challenging a life sentence imposed following a conviction for Murder.
The session forms part of the Court’s broader efforts to reduce the backlog of criminal appeals and enhance the timely delivery of justice through strengthened case management and stakeholder coordination.
